South Jersey Vs. North Jersey--Where's the better place to live? (Newark: middle-class, find a job)

[Whoelsebutcharles]

Mercer is the next county south of Middlesex on the Rt 1 corridor. That's Trenton territory. But the trick is here that because of the Turnpike and a handfull of other major highways cutting through the area, it is much more mixed in terms of metro influence. Contrary to what many people think, my area doesn't have much of a New York vibe, it does have some, but lots of people here are people whose parents lived in the suburbs here and originally emerged from places like Newark, Jersey City, Paterson or Elizabeth, as well as many "small town" areas around here (think South River, Milltown, Sayreville, Dunellen etc), and of course New Brunswick. And there is a significant portion of Philly influence too. I work with many people who commute from PA. And to top it off you have a major state college here that also draws people from all over. But I was generally speaking more of the way the area is developed. Hardly any of Middlesex resembles North Jersey, except maybe Edison and Woodbridge.

[LordHelmit]

would yous guys consider trenton north or south jersey?

[Whoelsebutcharles]

Originally Posted by LordHelmit

would yous guys consider trenton north or south jersey?

It's hard to say. Even though it's Mercer County it's a bit strange. See locals in my area call this area "Central Jersey" (neither north or south) and it wasn't until I went away to college that few people from far north or south think Central Jersey is a real place. Now for the most part I sort of agree with that. But then Trenton is closer to Philly than NYC, but it is much more heavily influenced by the north, at least now. I don't know if that was always the case. I was a history major in college and it seems like Trenton historically has more of a tie with Philly, but that definitely isn't the case now.

Mercer County is also now becoming a haven for Monmouth County's middle class which has gotten forced out of that area due to its skyrocketing cost of living. So in that case I'd say Mercer has a more NY influence, but I doubt that was always the case.

So I guess "Central Jersey" is the area where north and south begin to "blend".

[ocnjgirl]

I consider Trenton south. I go by what tv channels people get - if local news, is from Philly, the Sunday game you get is the Eagles, then you're south. If it's NY channels and teams, it's north.

[jerseygirl318]

I love SJ !! xoxoxoxoxoxoxox moved from philly area for some R & R , and do get it 9 mos out of the year! and lovin it..........................................

[Species 8472]

Okay...I have lived in both North and South Jersey. To me, South Jersey is far superior to North Jersey. North Jersey seems one step away from a third world country. I think I'll open this up on the general New Jersey forum as was suggested by several folks.

[HeavenWood]

Originally Posted by Species 8472

North Jersey seems one step away from a third world country.

That's what a lot of North Jersey people say about South Jersey.

[jerseygal4u]

Honestly,there are positives and negatives with both.

Please don't get mad,but in south jersey I sensed a "racism" factor down there.
I can't describe it,but the people did seem more racist,based on actions and words.
Mainly in Burlington,Gloucester,Salem,Camden,counties

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by jerseygal4u

Honestly,there are positives and negatives with both.

Please don't get mad,but in south jersey I sensed a "racism" factor down there.
I can't describe it,but the people did seem more racist,based on actions and words.
Mainly in Burlington,Gloucester,Salem,Camden,counties

If I remember correctly, you asked about rural areas.

Here's the thing with rural areas. They know everybody who lives there. When a stranger shows up they get funny looks & are frequently asked questions like "You aren't from around here, are you?". If you don't like that, don't look to move to rural areas.

That said, just because South Jersey is in the same state as North Jersey does not mean that things are the same. New Jersey was 2 different colonies with different people that the British decided to combine. Some things never change.

[jerseygal4u]

Originally Posted by southbound_295

If I remember correctly, you asked about rural areas.

Here's the thing with rural areas. They know everybody who lives there. When a stranger shows up they get funny looks & are frequently asked questions like "You aren't from around here, are you?". If you don't like that, don't look to move to rural areas.

That said, just because South Jersey is in the same state as North Jersey does not mean that things are the same. New Jersey was 2 different colonies with different people that the British decided to combine. Some things never change.

Ok,fine,but still that doesn't change the fact southern Nj,esp the counties I listed seemed more racist.
I'm not saying it isn't present in North Jersey,but it was certainly stronger down there.
The people were more bold with it.

That being said,the best combination I've found is to work in Northern New Jersey and buy a house in Sj,as far as costs are concerned.
The jobs don't pay too much in Sj(and that's if you even get one).
Philadelphia,and Pa in general,doesn't pay that much.
Ny and North Jersey pay decent,but the housing costs are out of control.